1. You must have a website. No matter how small your firm is, you need to develop a website. Whether you have one attorney or five or your firm has existed for a few weeks or a few years, you need to get yourself on the web as much as possible. A website is a place for potential clients to come and read about the services you offer, become familiar with your firm’s staff and find out information to contact your firm and possibly hire an attorney.  Nowadays everyone runs to a computer when they need to look up something. Not having a website can hurt any business.

2. Use a referral service. Especially if you’re in the process of building your practice, referral programs can be very helpful in gathering more clients. More calls mean more business so it’s important to take advantage of this service if possible, even if there is a small fee included.

3. Promote your firm to the fullest. Small law firms have the potential to market their services as well as larger firms do without the same financial budget. Some suggestions? In addition to creating a website, utilize free social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked In and free blogging sites that you can link back to your website. Also, take advantage of any low-cost advertising your firm can afford.

4. Connect with colleagues. It’s extremely beneficial for lawyers to have a network of colleagues who specialize in a range of legal services. This can increase business if one attorney refers clients to his/her fellow colleague who practices in the legal field that client needs help within and visa versa.

5. Get your staff together to brainstorm. If you’re trying to develop or improve a marketing plan for your firm, call your staff together for a meeting to generate new ideas and suggestions and discuss your overall marketing goals.